US20090055253A1 - Transaction product with gelatinous substance - Google Patents
Transaction product with gelatinous substance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090055253A1 US20090055253A1 US11/843,855 US84385507A US2009055253A1 US 20090055253 A1 US20090055253 A1 US 20090055253A1 US 84385507 A US84385507 A US 84385507A US 2009055253 A1 US2009055253 A1 US 2009055253A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- transaction product
- housing
- transaction
- article
- account
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
- G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
- G06Q30/0215—Including financial accounts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
Definitions
- a gift card for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value.
- a customer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift for another person.
- a customer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase.
- a gift card like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer.
- Transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.
- a transaction product including a housing, a gelatinous substance and an account identifier.
- the housing defines a storage cavity and is configured to be selectively opened and closed to provide selective access to the storage cavity.
- the gelatinous substance is selectively enclosed within the storage cavity, and, upon removal of the gelatinous substance from the storage cavity, the gelatinous substance is configured to selectively flow in a plurality of different directions.
- the account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the account and the record using the account identifier.
- Other related products, assemblies and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a right side view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 1 , the left side view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 6 is a top view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 1 , the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
- FIG. 7 is an inside perspective view illustration of a second housing member of the transaction product of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the transaction product of FIG. 3 taken along the line X-X, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an alternative to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a front view illustration of a carrier for a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a back view illustration of a transaction product assembly including the carrier of FIG. 10 with the transaction product of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a transaction product assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a transaction product for sale to and for use by consumers, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- a stored-value card and other transaction products are adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website and/or for storing non-monetary value adapted for redemption toward the use of goods and/or services (e.g., a phone card).
- an original consumer buys a transaction product to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the transaction product at a retail store or setting to pay for the goods and/or services.
- a transaction product provides the consumer and recipient with extra amusement in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the transaction product.
- the transaction product includes a housing storing a gelatinous article or substance (e.g., a free-flowing gel material), which can be removed from the housing and played with by a bearer of the transaction product.
- a gelatinous article or substance e.g., a free-flowing gel material
- the viscous and sticky nature of the gelatinous article generally serves to amuse the bearer.
- the gelatinous article can be replaced within the housing.
- the housing is configured to be repeatedly hermetically sealed such that the gelatinous article stored therein is protected from the environment to decrease or delay drying out or other environmental degradation of the gelatinous article.
- the gelatinous article can be repeatedly removed from the housing for play and replaced within the housing for storage as desired by the bearer of the transaction product.
- this amusing aspect of the transaction product and the anticipation of such amusement for a potential consumer or as imagined for a potential recipient encourages the potential consumer to purchase and/or load value onto the transaction product.
- FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a transaction product 10 such as a stored-value card or financial transaction card according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- transaction product 10 includes a housing 12 and a substance or article 14 ( FIG. 1 ) substantially enclosed or otherwise stored therein.
- Housing 12 is linked with an account or record and provides means for accessing the monetary funds or non-monetary funds (e.g., prepaid calling minutes or points) associated with the account or record for paying for goods and/or services, for use toward calling minutes, for use of points toward a purchase, etc.
- monetary funds or non-monetary funds e.g., prepaid calling minutes or points
- housing 12 is substantially rigid and includes a first housing member or base 20 and a second housing member or cover 22 .
- Base 20 and cover 22 are configured to be selectively coupled to one another to define a storage cavity 24 therebetween.
- One embodiment of base 20 is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 4 .
- Base 20 generally includes a major or a primary panel 30 , which, in one embodiment, is substantially planar and defines an inside surface 32 and an outside surface 34 ( FIG. 4 ) opposite inside surface 32 .
- primary panel 30 is generally rectangular and sized similarly to an identification card, a credit card or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a user.
- primary panel 30 is otherwise shaped as a square, circle, oval, star or any other suitable shape.
- base 20 additionally includes a side wall 36 extending from inside surface 32 away from outside surface 34 .
- side wall 36 extends from and is positioned relative to inside surface 32 slightly offset radially inwardly from an outer perimeter of primary panel 30 .
- primary panel 30 radially extends outwardly beyond side wall 36 such that a lip 52 is defined by base 20 around side wall 36 .
- side wall 36 extends away from inside surface 32 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel 30 and defines four substantially linear side wall segments 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 .
- first side wall segment 40 extends substantially parallel to and is positioned opposite third side wall segment 44 .
- Second side wall segment 42 and fourth side wall segment 46 each extend between first side wall segment 40 and third side wall segment 44 and are positioned opposite and substantially parallel to one another.
- Side wall 36 extends from primary panel 30 to define an inside edge 50 opposite primary panel 30 .
- side wall 36 forms curved or chamfered corners at the intersection of each side wall segment 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 with another one of side wall segments 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 .
- cover 22 includes a major or a primary panel 70 , which, in one example, is substantially planar and defines an outside surface 72 and an inside surface 74 opposite outside surface 72 .
- primary panel 70 is substantially sized and shaped similarly to primary panel 30 of base 20 .
- Cover 22 includes a side wall 76 extending from inside surface 74 of cover 22 away from outside surface 72 .
- side wall 76 extends from and is positioned relative to inside surface 74 slightly offset radially inward from an outer perimeter of primary panel 70 to define a lip 92 as a portion of primary panel 70 extending radially outwardly from side wall 76 .
- side wall 76 is inwardly offset from the outer perimeter of primary panel 70 slightly less than side wall 36 is inwardly offset from the outer perimeter of primary panel 30 .
- side wall 76 extends from and is not inwardly offset from the outer perimeter of primary panel 30 .
- side wall 76 extends away from inside surface 74 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel 70 and with a distance substantially equal to a distance side wall 36 of base 20 extends from inside surface 32 .
- side wall 76 generally defines four substantially linear side wall segments 80 , 82 , 84 and 86 .
- first side wall segment 80 extends substantially parallel to and is positioned opposite third side wall segment 84 .
- Second side wall segment 82 and fourth side wall segment 86 each extend between first side wall segment 80 and third side wall segment 84 and are positioned opposite and substantially parallel to one another.
- side wall 76 extends from primary panel 70 to define an inside edge 88 opposite primary panel 70 .
- a rib 90 extends from inside surface 74 of primary panel 70 .
- Rib 90 extends from inside surface 74 in a similar manner as side wall 76 extends therefrom, however, rib 90 is inwardly offset from side wall 76 to define a groove 94 therebetween ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ).
- rib 90 extends away from inside surface 74 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel 70 .
- rib 90 extends from inside surface 74 a smaller distance than side wall 76 extends from inside surface 74 .
- rib 90 is inwardly offset from side wall 76 a distance substantially equal to or just slightly larger than a thickness of side wall 36 of base 20 such that upon assembly of housing 12 , side wall 36 of base is received within groove 94 (i.e., between side wall 76 and rib 90 of cover 22 ) as will be further described below.
- each of base 20 and cover 22 is formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes of base 20 and cover 22 .
- one of base 20 and cover 22 is formed of translucent polyethylene which is specifically configured to facilitate formation of a hermetic and/or air tight seal between base 20 and cover 22 .
- Other methods of forming base 20 and cover 22 are also contemplated.
- base 20 and cover 22 are each formed of materials having a similar or identical color. In other examples, base 20 and cover 22 can be formed of materials having different coloring.
- base 20 is formed of opaque material while cover 22 is substantially transparent or substantially translucent.
- cover 22 is configured to be coupled with and to at least partially fit around a portion of base 20 . More particularly, base 20 and cover 22 interact such that primary panels 70 and 30 are substantially parallel to one another and side wall 76 of cover 22 substantially wraps around side wall 36 of base 20 (i.e., extends around an outer perimeter of side wall 36 ). In one example, when assembled, side wall 36 fits partially within groove 94 of cover 22 , and inside edge 88 of cover 22 interfaces with primary panel 30 of base 20 , more particularly, with lip 92 . Similarly, inside edge 50 of base 20 interfaces with primary panel 70 of cover 22 , more particularly, with lip 52 . As such, lips 52 and 92 each function as a stop to limit further movement of cover 22 onto base 20 and vice versa.
- the interaction between base 20 and cover 22 is configured to hermetically seal housing 12 when housing 12 is closed (e.g., when base 20 is fully coupled with cover 22 ). Formation of a hermetic seal protects article 14 stored within housing 12 from environmental factors that could otherwise degrade or decrease the lifespan of article 14 . For instance, as will be further described below, by hermetically sealing housing 12 , an at least partially liquid article 14 (e.g., a gelatinous article) is protected such that article 14 will not dry out or drying out of article 14 will at least be significantly delayed. As such, the useful life of article 14 is increased.
- housing 12 is hermetically sealed due at least in part to the tight friction fit of side wall 36 with side wall 76 upon coupling of base 20 and cover 22 . In one embodiment, the hermetic seal of housing 12 is sufficient to protect article 14 from drying out after exposure of transaction product 10 to 170° F. for 168 continuous hours.
- cover 22 is primarily described herein as receiving and extending around base 20
- base 20 receives and extends around cover 22
- a shrink wrap or adhesive seal e.g., made of plastic or other suitable material
- Seal 96 is configured to be easily removed from housing 12 following purchase of transaction product 10 .
- housing 12 includes the alternative coupling illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 .
- the alternative coupling is formed by a base 100 and a cover 102 , which are substantially similar to base 20 and cover 22 except where specifically described otherwise below.
- Base 100 includes primary panel 30 and a side wall 104 extending therefrom with a generally perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel 30 .
- Side wall 104 defines a hook or other suitable protrusion 106 extending from an edge 108 of side wall 104 opposite primary panel 30 .
- cover 102 includes primary panel 70 and a side wall 110 extending therefrom with a generally perpendicular orientation relative to primary panel 70 .
- Side wall 110 defines an indentation or groove 112 extending toward primary panel 70 from an edge 114 of side wall 110 opposite primary panel 70 .
- Groove 112 is configured to selectively receive protrusion 106 in a snap-fit connection to maintain base 20 coupled with cover 22 (i.e., to maintain housing 12 in a closed position) and to hermetically seal housing 12 .
- groove 112 is configured to release protrusion 106 such that base 20 and cover 22 can be uncoupled (i.e., housing 12 can be opened) as desired by the bearer of transaction product 10 .
- housing 12 includes at least one activation area or account identifier 120 indicating an account or record linked with transaction product 10 , for example printed or otherwise applied to outside surface 34 of base 20 .
- Account identifier 120 indicates an account or record to which transaction product 10 is linked.
- the account or record maintains a monetary or non-monetary value or balance associated with transaction product 10 and is optionally stored on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system or in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronic device on transaction product 10 itself. Accordingly, by scanning or otherwise reading account identifier 120 , the account or record linked to transaction product 10 is identified and can subsequently be activated and have amounts debited and/or added to the value associated therewith.
- account identifier 120 includes one or more of a bar code, magnetic strip, smart chip or other electronic device, radio frequency identification (RFID) device or other suitable marking readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk or other suitable machine or device.
- account identifier 120 includes a character string or code 122 (e.g., a number and or letter string) configured to provide additional security to the use of transaction product 10 and/or configured to be read by a bearer of transaction product 10 to facilitate use of transaction product 10 for web site or other purchases outside of a brick-and-mortar type retail establishments.
- account identifier 120 is one example of means for linking transaction product 10 with an account or record
- scanning of account identifier 120 is one example of means for activating or loading value on transaction product 10 .
- housing 12 additionally includes redemption indicia 124 , which, in one example, are included on outside surface 34 base 20 .
- Redemption indicia 124 indicate that transaction product 10 is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value of the goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked to transaction product 10 .
- redemption indicia 124 include phrases such as “ ⁇ NAME OF STORE> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our web site,” and/or provides help or phone line information in case of a lost, stolen or damaged transaction product, etc.
- indicia may also be included on outside surface 72 of cover 22 such as decorative indicia 126 and/or brand indicia 128 .
- Decorative indicia 126 and brand indicia 128 may be applied to cover 22 in any suitable manner.
- decorative indicia 126 and brand indicia 128 may be printed on or applied via printed label or sticker (not shown) applied to housing 12 .
- decorative indicia 126 are applied to outside surface 72 of primary panel 70 , which in one embodiment, is substantially translucent or substantially transparent. More specifically, decorative indicia 126 are applied in a transparent or opaque manner to at least partially obscure full viewing of article 14 through primary panel 70 . As such, decorative indicia 126 provide for aesthetic appeal of transaction product 10 while still allowing a potential consumer or other recipient to view the contents of housing 12 through the non-obscured or non-masked off portion of primary panel 70 . In this respect, a dimensional visual effect is provided as decorative indicia 126 of cover 22 and article 14 can be viewed simultaneously.
- Brand indicia 128 identify a brand associated with transaction product 10 such as identifying a product brand, a store brand or other indicia readily associated with a product or store etc. In one embodiment, brand indicia 128 are additionally or alternatively included on base 20 .
- Article 14 is any suitable substance or material configured to be selectively received by and maintained within housing 12 .
- article 14 is a gelatinous substance or viscous material that is semi-fluid such that when article 14 is unconfined, article 14 is configured to flow or ooze in a plurality of directions.
- article 14 is a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) borax compound such as a substance formed of three percent PVA, three percent sodium borate and ninety-six percent distilled water.
- PVA polyvinyl acetate
- article 14 is sticky and substantially deformable while being configured to generally return (e.g., gradually flow or ooze) to an initial configuration subject to any forces acting thereupon.
- the gelatinous substance is semi-solid such that the gelatinous substance can be grasped or otherwise manipulated by a bearer of the gelatinous substance to readily stretch or deform the gelatinous substance in a plurality of different directions.
- the sticky, flowable and readily deformable nature of the gelatinous substance makes article 14 amusing to all bearers of transaction product 10 .
- transaction product 10 may include a container or other package 130 separate from housing 12 .
- package 130 is a bag configured to maintain article 14 such that article 14 and package 130 both are configured to be selectively maintained within housing 12 .
- package 130 serves to limit expansion of article 14 during exposure to high temperatures during manufacturing. For example, where article 14 is configured to expand upon exposure to temperature over 100° F. or more (e.g., over 120° F.), package 130 generally decreases such expansion. By decreasing article 14 expansion, package 130 decreases the likelihood that any of article 14 would undesirably ooze or otherwise migrate out of housing 12 during exposure to relatively high temperatures during manufacture, which could damage the machines through which transaction product 10 is being processed.
- package 130 is one example of means for containing article 14 separate from housing 12 .
- package 130 is a resealable plastic bag defining a storage chamber, which is generally indicated at 132 in FIG. 1 , with a zip-like closure 134 as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.
- package 130 is sized to have an overall shape slightly larger than the overall shape of storage cavity 24 .
- package 130 is configured to be folded (e.g., along a fold line generally indicated at 136 in FIG. 1 ) prior to placement of package 130 and article 14 in housing 12 .
- package 130 is folded underneath a remainder of package 130 , such that the remainder of package 130 filed with article 14 generally hides the zip-like closure 134 from view through housing 12 , more specifically, through cover 22 .
- package 130 is one of substantially transparent and substantially translucent such that article 14 can be fully viewed through package 130 or at least a portion thereof.
- package 130 is eliminated and article 14 is placed directly into housing 12 .
- article 14 during assembly, is placed between base 20 and cover 22 (i.e., within storage cavity 24 ) prior to assembly of housing 12 .
- article 14 and, in one embodiment, package 130 is/are sized to fit entirely within storage cavity 24 .
- article 14 is in a first configuration in which the outer perimeter of article 14 is at least slightly smaller than the inside dimensions of side wall 36 of base 20 .
- article 14 when in the first configuration, has a thickness less than a height of side wall 36 (i.e., a distance between inside surface 32 and inside edge 50 ) or side wall 76 (i.e. a distance between inside surface 74 and inside edge 88 ).
- assembled housing 12 has a total thickness (i.e., a distance between outer surfaces of the first primary panel 30 and the second primary panel 70 ) of greater than 1 mm and, in one embodiment, greater than 3 mm.
- housing 12 is closed.
- cover 22 is moved to slidably interface with base 20 such that side wall 76 extends around side wall 36 in a relatively tight manner to form a suitable hermetic seal around storage cavity 24 .
- coupling base 20 to cover 22 includes moving base 20 relative to cover 22 or vice versa such that inside edge 88 of side wall 76 abuts lip 52 of base 20 and/or inside edge 50 of base 20 abuts lip 92 of primary panel 70 .
- seal 96 FIG. 8
- seal 96 is applied to extend around an outer perimeter of housing 12 between base 20 and cover 22 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a carrier or backer 200 for supporting transaction product 10 .
- backer 200 comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff card.
- backer 200 defines a front surface 202 and a rear surface 204 opposite front surface 202 .
- Transaction product 10 (represented in dashed lines on front surface 202 in FIG. 10 for illustrated purposes so as not to obstruct backer 200 ) is readably releasably attached to backer 200 , for example, by removable adhesive, skinning or the like as will be further described below.
- Backer 200 and transaction product 10 collectively define a transaction product assembly 210 ( FIG. 11 ).
- Backer 200 defines a window or opening 220 for displaying account identifier 120 of transaction product 10 therethrough as illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- account identifier 120 is adapted for accessing the account or record associated with transaction product 10 for activating, loading or debiting values (e.g., monetary values, points, calling minutes, etc.) from the associated account or record.
- opening 220 allows viewing or other access to account identifier 120 to activate and/or load transaction product 10 without removing transaction product 10 from backer 200 .
- a portion of backer 200 is configured to be folded away from the remainder of backer 200 to access account identifier 120 without removing transaction product 10 from backer 200 .
- backer 200 displays indicia, graphics or text information including one or more of store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters and other information.
- indicia 222 include “to,” “from” and/or “amount,” fields. The fields of indicia 222 provide areas of backer 200 configured to be written upon by a consumer for personalization as a gift to a particular recipient, for a particular purpose and/or to indicate a value of transaction product 10 .
- Brand indicia 224 may also or alternatively be included to identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated with transaction product 10 .
- Instructional indicia 226 include detailed information regarding use of transaction product 10 including identification of article 14 included within transaction product 10 , as well as directions for usage of article 14 , indications that article 14 is a toy, restrictions on recommended ages for playing with transaction product 10 , etc.
- backer 200 also includes decorative indicia 228 configured to enhance the aesthetic appeal of backer 200 and, in one embodiment, relating to the nature of article 14 .
- Any of indicia 126 ( FIG. 1 ), 128 ( FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 ), 222 , 224 , 226 , 228 or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer 200 or transaction product 10 . Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more of indicia 126 , 128 , 222 , 224 , 226 and 228 may be eliminated.
- FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 300 of assembling transaction product assembly 210 .
- transaction product 10 is assembled, and, at 304 , transaction product 10 is coupled with backer 200 .
- assembling transaction product 10 at 302 includes positioning article 14 within storage cavity 24 defined by housing 12 , for example, between base 20 and cover 22 at 306 .
- positioning article 14 within storage cavity 24 includes manipulating article 14 into a storage or first configuration and/or placing article 14 within package 130 and subsequently placing package 130 into storage cavity 24 .
- placing package 130 into storage cavity 24 includes folding package 130 along fold line 136 to hide a portion of package 130 such as the zip-like closure 134 .
- base 20 is coupled with cover 22 . More specifically, cover 22 is positioned over base 20 such that primary panels 30 and 70 are substantially parallel to one another and is slid over side wall 36 of base 20 . As cover 22 is moved toward base 20 (or vice versa), side wall 76 of cover 22 surrounds side wall 36 . In one embodiment, when cover 22 is fully placed over base 20 , inside edge 88 of cover 22 abuts or otherwise interfaces with lip 52 of base 20 . As such, article 14 is housed between base 20 and cover 22 and, in one embodiment, is hermetically sealed within housing 12 . In one example, seal 96 ( FIG. 8 ) is placed around at least a portion of housing 12 to interface with base 20 and cover 22 to further secure cover 22 in place over base 20 and/or to indicate whether transaction product 10 has been tampered with prior to its purchase.
- the assembled transaction product 10 is coupled with backer 200 to form a transaction product assembly 210 ( FIG. 11 ).
- transaction product 10 is coupled to front surface 202 of backer 200 in a selectively releasable manner (e.g., with adhesive, shrink wrap or skinning material).
- account identifier 120 of transaction product 10 is viewable through opening 220 of backer 200 as illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- transaction product assembly 210 is ready for retail or other display for sale to potential consumers.
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 320 of providing transaction product 10 for sale to and for use by consumers.
- transaction product 10 is displayed to potential consumers.
- transaction product assembly 210 which includes transaction product 10 , is placed on or hung from a rack, shelf or similar device to display transaction product assembly 210 in a retail setting such that transaction product 10 is visible to potential consumers.
- transaction product 10 is displayed without backer 200 or a depiction of transaction product 10 is placed on a web site for viewing and purchase by potential consumers.
- a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction product 10 , presents transaction product assembly 210 , or at least transaction product 10 , to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person or device to scan or otherwise read account identifier 120 of transaction product 10 (e.g., through opening 220 in backer 200 ) to access the account or record linked to account identifier 120 .
- value is added to the account or record at 326 .
- transaction product 10 is activated and loaded.
- operation 326 may be eliminated and activating transaction product 10 at 324 serves to unlock the account or record or otherwise make the predetermined value in the account or record available to a bearer of transaction product 10 .
- transaction product 10 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transaction product 10 to purchase goods and/or services at the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or web site.
- transaction product 10 may be activated in any suitable method and may be completed without machine scanning of account identifier 120 .
- transaction product 10 is activated and/or loaded remotely via a telephone or the internet
- the retail store or other affiliated retail setting, web site, etc. accepts transaction product 10 as payment toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services made by the current bearer of transaction product 10 .
- the value currently loaded on transaction product 10 is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services, toward the use of calling minutes, etc.
- additional value is optionally loaded on transaction product 10 at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, other area of the retail store or related setting or via a web site or by telephone.
- the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 328 again or operation 330 as requested by a current bearer of transaction product 10 .
- the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 330 again or operation 328 .
- the ability to accept transaction product 10 as payment for or toward use of goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction product 10 has any value at the time of attempted redemption.
- FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 350 of using transaction product 10 .
- a potential consumer of transaction product 10 which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a web site, decides to and does purchase transaction product 10 from the retail store or web site setting.
- Transaction product 10 can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of the transaction product assembly 210 .
- a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person scans account identifier 120 to activate or load value onto transaction product 10 .
- actual scanning of account identifier 120 may be eliminated.
- the consumer optionally gives transaction product 10 to a recipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, one having a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impending anniversary, etc.
- a plurality of transaction products 10 are purchased and given to party goers, such as at a birthday party, bridal shower, etc. as party favors or gifts.
- the consumer can keep transaction product 10 for his or her own use thereby eliminating operation 354 .
- the consumer or recipient whoever is in current ownership or otherwise is the current bearer of transaction product 10 , uses transaction product 10 for reasons unrelated to its stored-value or transactional functionality. More specifically, the bearer initially removes transaction product 10 from backer 200 , if transaction product 10 is coupled with backer 200 , and opens housing 12 by separating cover 22 from base 20 to access storage cavity 24 and any article 14 maintained therein. The bearer can use article 14 as they see fit dependent upon the particular nature of article 14 or can otherwise use housing 12 as a storage device.
- article 14 can be removed from housing 12 and can subsequently be stretched or deformed from the storage or first configuration into a plurality of other configurations each differing from the first configuration as desired by the bearer of transaction product 10 .
- a bearer enjoys the viscous nature of article 14 by temporarily sticking article 14 to any available surface, etc.
- article 14 may be returned to the storage or first configuration, replaced within storage cavity 24 and hermetically sealed to protect article 14 for future use.
- the current bearer of transaction product 10 redeems transaction product 10 for goods and/or services from the retail store or web site.
- the current bearer of transaction product 10 optionally adds value to transaction product 10 or, more particularly, to the account or record associated with transaction product 10 , at the retail store, over the Internet or via telephone.
- the current bearer of transaction product 10 Upon removing and using article 14 of transaction product 10 from housing 12 at 356 , redeeming transaction product 10 at 358 or adding value to transaction product 10 at 360 , the current bearer of transaction product 10 subsequently can perform any of operations 356 , 358 or 360 as desired.
- housing 12 since account identifier 120 and any other information necessary to redeem transaction product 10 is included on housing 12 , in one example, only housing 12 is used to perform operations 358 and 360 such that operations 358 and 360 can be performed regardless of whether article 14 is currently stored in housing 12 . In one embodiment, the ability of the current bearer to repeat redeeming transaction product 10 at 358 is limited by whether the account or record associated with transaction product 10 has any value at the time of attempted redemption.
- purchasing transaction product 10 at 352 can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accept transaction product 10 or over the Internet.
- the number of stores are each a part of a chain or similarly branded stores.
- the number of stores includes at least one web site and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store.
- Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention.
- the gift card like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient or third party.
- the term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of an account or record associated with a stored-value card.
- the balance associated with a stored-value card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits.
- the card remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated merchant.
- Gift cards provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant.
- Other transaction products include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example.
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Abstract
Description
- Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card that includes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as a gift for another person. In another example, a customer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated with the card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the card generally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Transaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.
- One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction product including a housing, a gelatinous substance and an account identifier. The housing defines a storage cavity and is configured to be selectively opened and closed to provide selective access to the storage cavity. The gelatinous substance is selectively enclosed within the storage cavity, and, upon removal of the gelatinous substance from the storage cavity, the gelatinous substance is configured to selectively flow in a plurality of different directions. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the account and the record using the account identifier. Other related products, assemblies and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
- Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a right side view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 , the left side view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 6 is a top view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 , the bottom view being a mirror image thereof. -
FIG. 7 is an inside perspective view illustration of a second housing member of the transaction product ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the transaction product ofFIG. 3 taken along the line X-X, according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is an alternative to the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 8 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a front view illustration of a carrier for a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a back view illustration of a transaction product assembly including the carrier ofFIG. 10 with the transaction product ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a transaction product assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a transaction product for sale to and for use by consumers, according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a transaction product, according to one embodiment of the present invention. - A stored-value card and other transaction products are adapted for making purchases of goods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or website and/or for storing non-monetary value adapted for redemption toward the use of goods and/or services (e.g., a phone card). According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a transaction product to give a recipient who in turn is able to use the transaction product at a retail store or setting to pay for the goods and/or services. A transaction product, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides the consumer and recipient with extra amusement in addition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services with the transaction product.
- In particular, in one embodiment, the transaction product includes a housing storing a gelatinous article or substance (e.g., a free-flowing gel material), which can be removed from the housing and played with by a bearer of the transaction product. The viscous and sticky nature of the gelatinous article generally serves to amuse the bearer. Once the bearer has finished playing with the gelatinous article, at least for a period of time, the gelatinous article can be replaced within the housing. The housing is configured to be repeatedly hermetically sealed such that the gelatinous article stored therein is protected from the environment to decrease or delay drying out or other environmental degradation of the gelatinous article. As such, the gelatinous article can be repeatedly removed from the housing for play and replaced within the housing for storage as desired by the bearer of the transaction product. In one example, this amusing aspect of the transaction product and the anticipation of such amusement for a potential consumer or as imagined for a potential recipient encourages the potential consumer to purchase and/or load value onto the transaction product.
- Turning to the figures,
FIGS. 1-6 illustrate atransaction product 10 such as a stored-value card or financial transaction card according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, in one embodiment,transaction product 10 includes ahousing 12 and a substance or article 14 (FIG. 1 ) substantially enclosed or otherwise stored therein.Transaction product 10, or more particularly,housing 12 is linked with an account or record and provides means for accessing the monetary funds or non-monetary funds (e.g., prepaid calling minutes or points) associated with the account or record for paying for goods and/or services, for use toward calling minutes, for use of points toward a purchase, etc. - In one embodiment,
housing 12 is substantially rigid and includes a first housing member orbase 20 and a second housing member orcover 22.Base 20 andcover 22 are configured to be selectively coupled to one another to define astorage cavity 24 therebetween. One embodiment ofbase 20 is illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 1 and 4 .Base 20 generally includes a major or aprimary panel 30, which, in one embodiment, is substantially planar and defines aninside surface 32 and an outside surface 34 (FIG. 4 ) opposite insidesurface 32. In one embodiment,primary panel 30 is generally rectangular and sized similarly to an identification card, a credit card or other card sized to fit in a wallet of a user. In other embodiments,primary panel 30 is otherwise shaped as a square, circle, oval, star or any other suitable shape. - In one example,
base 20 additionally includes aside wall 36 extending from insidesurface 32 away fromoutside surface 34. In one embodiment,side wall 36 extends from and is positioned relative to insidesurface 32 slightly offset radially inwardly from an outer perimeter ofprimary panel 30. As such, in one example,primary panel 30 radially extends outwardly beyondside wall 36 such that alip 52 is defined bybase 20 aroundside wall 36. In one embodiment,side wall 36 extends away from insidesurface 32 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative toprimary panel 30 and defines four substantially linearside wall segments side wall segment 40 extends substantially parallel to and is positioned opposite thirdside wall segment 44. Secondside wall segment 42 and fourthside wall segment 46 each extend between firstside wall segment 40 and thirdside wall segment 44 and are positioned opposite and substantially parallel to one another.Side wall 36 extends fromprimary panel 30 to define aninside edge 50 oppositeprimary panel 30. In one embodiment,side wall 36 forms curved or chamfered corners at the intersection of eachside wall segment side wall segments - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 7 , in one embodiment,cover 22 includes a major or aprimary panel 70, which, in one example, is substantially planar and defines anoutside surface 72 and aninside surface 74 opposite outsidesurface 72. In one embodiment,primary panel 70 is substantially sized and shaped similarly toprimary panel 30 ofbase 20. -
Cover 22 includes aside wall 76 extending frominside surface 74 ofcover 22 away fromoutside surface 72. In one embodiment,side wall 76 extends from and is positioned relative to insidesurface 74 slightly offset radially inward from an outer perimeter ofprimary panel 70 to define alip 92 as a portion ofprimary panel 70 extending radially outwardly fromside wall 76. More specifically, in one example,side wall 76 is inwardly offset from the outer perimeter ofprimary panel 70 slightly less thanside wall 36 is inwardly offset from the outer perimeter ofprimary panel 30. In one example,side wall 76 extends from and is not inwardly offset from the outer perimeter ofprimary panel 30. - In one embodiment,
side wall 76 extends away from insidesurface 74 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative toprimary panel 70 and with a distance substantially equal to adistance side wall 36 ofbase 20 extends frominside surface 32. In one example,side wall 76 generally defines four substantially linearside wall segments side wall segment 80 extends substantially parallel to and is positioned opposite thirdside wall segment 84. Secondside wall segment 82 and fourthside wall segment 86 each extend between firstside wall segment 80 and thirdside wall segment 84 and are positioned opposite and substantially parallel to one another. In one example,side wall 76 extends fromprimary panel 70 to define aninside edge 88 oppositeprimary panel 70. - In one example, a rib 90 (
FIGS. 7 and 8 ) extends frominside surface 74 ofprimary panel 70.Rib 90 extends frominside surface 74 in a similar manner asside wall 76 extends therefrom, however,rib 90 is inwardly offset fromside wall 76 to define agroove 94 therebetween (FIGS. 7 and 8 ). As such,rib 90 extends away frominside surface 74 with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative toprimary panel 70. In one embodiment,rib 90 extends from inside surface 74 a smaller distance thanside wall 76 extends frominside surface 74. In one example,rib 90 is inwardly offset from side wall 76 a distance substantially equal to or just slightly larger than a thickness ofside wall 36 ofbase 20 such that upon assembly ofhousing 12,side wall 36 of base is received within groove 94 (i.e., betweenside wall 76 andrib 90 of cover 22) as will be further described below. - In one embodiment, each of
base 20 and cover 22 is formed by injection molding plastic (e.g. polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), teslin, polyactide (PLA) and acrylic) or other suitable material to define the various attributes ofbase 20 andcover 22. In one embodiment, one ofbase 20 and cover 22 is formed of translucent polyethylene which is specifically configured to facilitate formation of a hermetic and/or air tight seal betweenbase 20 andcover 22. Other methods of formingbase 20 and cover 22 are also contemplated. In one example,base 20 and cover 22 are each formed of materials having a similar or identical color. In other examples,base 20 and cover 22 can be formed of materials having different coloring. For example, in one embodiment,base 20 is formed of opaque material whilecover 22 is substantially transparent or substantially translucent. - In one embodiment, to assemble or close
housing 12, cover 22 is configured to be coupled with and to at least partially fit around a portion ofbase 20. More particularly,base 20 and cover 22 interact such thatprimary panels side wall 76 ofcover 22 substantially wraps aroundside wall 36 of base 20 (i.e., extends around an outer perimeter of side wall 36). In one example, when assembled,side wall 36 fits partially withingroove 94 ofcover 22, andinside edge 88 ofcover 22 interfaces withprimary panel 30 ofbase 20, more particularly, withlip 92. Similarly, insideedge 50 ofbase 20 interfaces withprimary panel 70 ofcover 22, more particularly, withlip 52. As such,lips cover 22 ontobase 20 and vice versa. - In one embodiment, the interaction between
base 20 and cover 22 is configured to hermetically sealhousing 12 whenhousing 12 is closed (e.g., whenbase 20 is fully coupled with cover 22). Formation of a hermetic seal protectsarticle 14 stored withinhousing 12 from environmental factors that could otherwise degrade or decrease the lifespan ofarticle 14. For instance, as will be further described below, by hermetically sealinghousing 12, an at least partially liquid article 14 (e.g., a gelatinous article) is protected such thatarticle 14 will not dry out or drying out ofarticle 14 will at least be significantly delayed. As such, the useful life ofarticle 14 is increased. In one example,housing 12 is hermetically sealed due at least in part to the tight friction fit ofside wall 36 withside wall 76 upon coupling ofbase 20 andcover 22. In one embodiment, the hermetic seal ofhousing 12 is sufficient to protectarticle 14 from drying out after exposure oftransaction product 10 to 170° F. for 168 continuous hours. - Other suitable manners of
coupling base 20 and cover 22 are also contemplated and will be apparent to those with skill in the art upon reading the present application. For example, althoughcover 22 is primarily described herein as receiving and extending aroundbase 20, in one embodiment,base 20 receives and extends aroundcover 22. In one embodiment, for initial packaging, a shrink wrap or adhesive seal (e.g., made of plastic or other suitable material), as generally indicated at 96 inFIG. 8 with broken lines, is applied to extend betweenbase 20 and cover 22 whenhousing 12 is closed about at least a portion of an outer perimeter ofhousing 12 as generally indicated in broken lines inFIG. 8 .Seal 96 is configured to be easily removed fromhousing 12 following purchase oftransaction product 10. - In one embodiment,
housing 12 includes the alternative coupling illustrated in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9 . For example, the alternative coupling is formed by abase 100 and acover 102, which are substantially similar tobase 20 and cover 22 except where specifically described otherwise below.Base 100 includesprimary panel 30 and aside wall 104 extending therefrom with a generally perpendicular orientation relative toprimary panel 30.Side wall 104 defines a hook or othersuitable protrusion 106 extending from anedge 108 ofside wall 104 oppositeprimary panel 30. Similarly, cover 102 includesprimary panel 70 and aside wall 110 extending therefrom with a generally perpendicular orientation relative toprimary panel 70.Side wall 110 defines an indentation or groove 112 extending towardprimary panel 70 from anedge 114 ofside wall 110 oppositeprimary panel 70.Groove 112 is configured to selectively receiveprotrusion 106 in a snap-fit connection to maintainbase 20 coupled with cover 22 (i.e., to maintainhousing 12 in a closed position) and to hermetically sealhousing 12. Upon application of a suitable force(s) to one or both ofbase 20 andcover 22,groove 112 is configured to releaseprotrusion 106 such thatbase 20 and cover 22 can be uncoupled (i.e.,housing 12 can be opened) as desired by the bearer oftransaction product 10. - Referring to
FIG. 4 ,housing 12 includes at least one activation area oraccount identifier 120 indicating an account or record linked withtransaction product 10, for example printed or otherwise applied tooutside surface 34 ofbase 20.Account identifier 120 indicates an account or record to whichtransaction product 10 is linked. The account or record maintains a monetary or non-monetary value or balance associated withtransaction product 10 and is optionally stored on a database, other electronic or manual record-keeping system or in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or other electronic device ontransaction product 10 itself. Accordingly, by scanning or otherwise readingaccount identifier 120, the account or record linked totransaction product 10 is identified and can subsequently be activated and have amounts debited and/or added to the value associated therewith. - In one embodiment,
account identifier 120 includes one or more of a bar code, magnetic strip, smart chip or other electronic device, radio frequency identification (RFID) device or other suitable marking readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk or other suitable machine or device. In one embodiment,account identifier 120 includes a character string or code 122 (e.g., a number and or letter string) configured to provide additional security to the use oftransaction product 10 and/or configured to be read by a bearer oftransaction product 10 to facilitate use oftransaction product 10 for web site or other purchases outside of a brick-and-mortar type retail establishments. With the above in mind,account identifier 120 is one example of means for linkingtransaction product 10 with an account or record, and scanning ofaccount identifier 120 is one example of means for activating or loading value ontransaction product 10. - In one embodiment,
housing 12 additionally includesredemption indicia 124, which, in one example, are included onoutside surface 34base 20.Redemption indicia 124 indicate thattransaction product 10 is redeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value of the goods and/or services will be deducted from the account or record linked totransaction product 10. In one embodiment,redemption indicia 124 include phrases such as “<NAME OF STORE> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any of our stores or at our web site,” and/or provides help or phone line information in case of a lost, stolen or damaged transaction product, etc. - In one embodiment, other indicia may also be included on
outside surface 72 ofcover 22 such asdecorative indicia 126 and/orbrand indicia 128.Decorative indicia 126 andbrand indicia 128 may be applied to cover 22 in any suitable manner. For example,decorative indicia 126 andbrand indicia 128 may be printed on or applied via printed label or sticker (not shown) applied tohousing 12. - For example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 ,decorative indicia 126 are applied tooutside surface 72 ofprimary panel 70, which in one embodiment, is substantially translucent or substantially transparent. More specifically,decorative indicia 126 are applied in a transparent or opaque manner to at least partially obscure full viewing ofarticle 14 throughprimary panel 70. As such,decorative indicia 126 provide for aesthetic appeal oftransaction product 10 while still allowing a potential consumer or other recipient to view the contents ofhousing 12 through the non-obscured or non-masked off portion ofprimary panel 70. In this respect, a dimensional visual effect is provided asdecorative indicia 126 ofcover 22 andarticle 14 can be viewed simultaneously. -
Brand indicia 128 identify a brand associated withtransaction product 10 such as identifying a product brand, a store brand or other indicia readily associated with a product or store etc. In one embodiment,brand indicia 128 are additionally or alternatively included onbase 20. - Article 14 (
FIG. 1 ) is any suitable substance or material configured to be selectively received by and maintained withinhousing 12. In one example,article 14 is a gelatinous substance or viscous material that is semi-fluid such that whenarticle 14 is unconfined,article 14 is configured to flow or ooze in a plurality of directions. More particularly, in one embodiment,article 14 is a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) borax compound such as a substance formed of three percent PVA, three percent sodium borate and ninety-six percent distilled water. In such embodiments,article 14 is sticky and substantially deformable while being configured to generally return (e.g., gradually flow or ooze) to an initial configuration subject to any forces acting thereupon. In one example, the gelatinous substance is semi-solid such that the gelatinous substance can be grasped or otherwise manipulated by a bearer of the gelatinous substance to readily stretch or deform the gelatinous substance in a plurality of different directions. The sticky, flowable and readily deformable nature of the gelatinous substance makesarticle 14 amusing to all bearers oftransaction product 10. - In one example, given the gelatinous properties of
article 14,transaction product 10 may include a container orother package 130 separate fromhousing 12. For instance, in one example,package 130 is a bag configured to maintainarticle 14 such thatarticle 14 andpackage 130 both are configured to be selectively maintained withinhousing 12. In one embodiment,package 130 serves to limit expansion ofarticle 14 during exposure to high temperatures during manufacturing. For example, wherearticle 14 is configured to expand upon exposure to temperature over 100° F. or more (e.g., over 120° F.),package 130 generally decreases such expansion. By decreasingarticle 14 expansion,package 130 decreases the likelihood that any ofarticle 14 would undesirably ooze or otherwise migrate out ofhousing 12 during exposure to relatively high temperatures during manufacture, which could damage the machines through whichtransaction product 10 is being processed. In view of the above,package 130 is one example of means for containingarticle 14 separate fromhousing 12. - In one example,
package 130 is a resealable plastic bag defining a storage chamber, which is generally indicated at 132 inFIG. 1 , with a zip-like closure 134 as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. In one embodiment,package 130 is sized to have an overall shape slightly larger than the overall shape ofstorage cavity 24. However,package 130 is configured to be folded (e.g., along a fold line generally indicated at 136 inFIG. 1 ) prior to placement ofpackage 130 andarticle 14 inhousing 12. In one instance,package 130 is folded underneath a remainder ofpackage 130, such that the remainder ofpackage 130 filed witharticle 14 generally hides the zip-like closure 134 from view throughhousing 12, more specifically, throughcover 22. - Notably, for illustrative purposes, only a portion of
article 14 is illustrated through a cut-out portion ofpackage 130 inFIG. 1 . However, it should be understood, that in one embodiment,package 130 is one of substantially transparent and substantially translucent such thatarticle 14 can be fully viewed throughpackage 130 or at least a portion thereof. In one embodiment,package 130 is eliminated andarticle 14 is placed directly intohousing 12. - In one embodiment, during assembly,
article 14, either alone or withpackage 130, is placed betweenbase 20 and cover 22 (i.e., within storage cavity 24) prior to assembly ofhousing 12. As such, in order to allowbase 20 and cover 22 to still be assembled in a suitable manner,article 14 and, in one embodiment,package 130 is/are sized to fit entirely withinstorage cavity 24. In this manner, during placement ofarticle 14 withinhousing 12,article 14 is in a first configuration in which the outer perimeter ofarticle 14 is at least slightly smaller than the inside dimensions ofside wall 36 ofbase 20. Furthermore, when in the first configuration,article 14 has a thickness less than a height of side wall 36 (i.e., a distance betweeninside surface 32 and inside edge 50) or side wall 76 (i.e. a distance betweeninside surface 74 and inside edge 88). In one embodiment, assembledhousing 12 has a total thickness (i.e., a distance between outer surfaces of the firstprimary panel 30 and the second primary panel 70) of greater than 1 mm and, in one embodiment, greater than 3 mm. - Once
article 14 is positioned,housing 12 is closed. For example, cover 22 is moved to slidably interface withbase 20 such thatside wall 76 extends aroundside wall 36 in a relatively tight manner to form a suitable hermetic seal aroundstorage cavity 24. In one embodiment,coupling base 20 to cover 22 includes movingbase 20 relative to cover 22 or vice versa such thatinside edge 88 ofside wall 76 abutslip 52 ofbase 20 and/orinside edge 50 ofbase 20 abutslip 92 ofprimary panel 70. In one example, upon initial closing ofhousing 12 prior to packaging, seal 96 (FIG. 8 ) is applied to extend around an outer perimeter ofhousing 12 betweenbase 20 andcover 22. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a carrier orbacker 200 for supportingtransaction product 10. In one embodiment,backer 200 comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff card. As such,backer 200 defines afront surface 202 and arear surface 204 oppositefront surface 202. Transaction product 10 (represented in dashed lines onfront surface 202 inFIG. 10 for illustrated purposes so as not to obstruct backer 200) is readably releasably attached tobacker 200, for example, by removable adhesive, skinning or the like as will be further described below.Backer 200 andtransaction product 10 collectively define a transaction product assembly 210 (FIG. 11 ). -
Backer 200 defines a window or opening 220 for displayingaccount identifier 120 oftransaction product 10 therethrough as illustrated inFIG. 11 . As previously described,account identifier 120 is adapted for accessing the account or record associated withtransaction product 10 for activating, loading or debiting values (e.g., monetary values, points, calling minutes, etc.) from the associated account or record. Accordingly, opening 220 allows viewing or other access toaccount identifier 120 to activate and/orload transaction product 10 without removingtransaction product 10 frombacker 200. In one embodiment, where noopening 220 is defined by backer 200 a portion ofbacker 200 is configured to be folded away from the remainder ofbacker 200 to accessaccount identifier 120 without removingtransaction product 10 frombacker 200. - In one embodiment,
backer 200 displays indicia, graphics or text information including one or more of store logo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers, characters and other information. For example,indicia 222 include “to,” “from” and/or “amount,” fields. The fields ofindicia 222 provide areas ofbacker 200 configured to be written upon by a consumer for personalization as a gift to a particular recipient, for a particular purpose and/or to indicate a value oftransaction product 10. -
Brand indicia 224 may also or alternatively be included to identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or services associated withtransaction product 10.Instructional indicia 226 include detailed information regarding use oftransaction product 10 including identification ofarticle 14 included withintransaction product 10, as well as directions for usage ofarticle 14, indications thatarticle 14 is a toy, restrictions on recommended ages for playing withtransaction product 10, etc. - In one example,
backer 200 also includesdecorative indicia 228 configured to enhance the aesthetic appeal ofbacker 200 and, in one embodiment, relating to the nature ofarticle 14. Any of indicia 126 (FIG. 1 ), 128 (FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3), 222, 224, 226, 228 or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere onbacker 200 ortransaction product 10. Additional information besides that specifically described and illustrated herein may also be included and/or one or more ofindicia -
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of amethod 300 of assemblingtransaction product assembly 210. Additionally referring toFIGS. 1 , 10 and 11, at 302,transaction product 10 is assembled, and, at 304,transaction product 10 is coupled withbacker 200. More specifically, assemblingtransaction product 10 at 302 includespositioning article 14 withinstorage cavity 24 defined byhousing 12, for example, betweenbase 20 and cover 22 at 306. In one example, positioningarticle 14 withinstorage cavity 24 includes manipulatingarticle 14 into a storage or first configuration and/or placingarticle 14 withinpackage 130 and subsequently placingpackage 130 intostorage cavity 24. In one embodiment, placingpackage 130 intostorage cavity 24 includesfolding package 130 alongfold line 136 to hide a portion ofpackage 130 such as the zip-like closure 134. - Subsequently, at 308,
base 20 is coupled withcover 22. More specifically, cover 22 is positioned overbase 20 such thatprimary panels side wall 36 ofbase 20. Ascover 22 is moved toward base 20 (or vice versa),side wall 76 ofcover 22 surroundsside wall 36. In one embodiment, whencover 22 is fully placed overbase 20, insideedge 88 ofcover 22 abuts or otherwise interfaces withlip 52 ofbase 20. As such,article 14 is housed betweenbase 20 andcover 22 and, in one embodiment, is hermetically sealed withinhousing 12. In one example, seal 96 (FIG. 8 ) is placed around at least a portion ofhousing 12 to interface withbase 20 and cover 22 to further securecover 22 in place overbase 20 and/or to indicate whethertransaction product 10 has been tampered with prior to its purchase. - At 304, the assembled
transaction product 10 is coupled withbacker 200 to form a transaction product assembly 210 (FIG. 11 ). In one example,transaction product 10 is coupled tofront surface 202 ofbacker 200 in a selectively releasable manner (e.g., with adhesive, shrink wrap or skinning material). In one embodiment, oncetransaction product 10 is coupled withbacker 200,account identifier 120 oftransaction product 10 is viewable through opening 220 ofbacker 200 as illustrated inFIG. 11 . Following assembly at 300,transaction product assembly 210 is ready for retail or other display for sale to potential consumers. -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of amethod 320 of providingtransaction product 10 for sale to and for use by consumers. At 322,transaction product 10 is displayed to potential consumers. For example,transaction product assembly 210, which includestransaction product 10, is placed on or hung from a rack, shelf or similar device to displaytransaction product assembly 210 in a retail setting such thattransaction product 10 is visible to potential consumers. In one embodiment,transaction product 10 is displayed withoutbacker 200 or a depiction oftransaction product 10 is placed on a web site for viewing and purchase by potential consumers. - At 324, a consumer, who has decided to purchase
transaction product 10, presentstransaction product assembly 210, or atleast transaction product 10, to a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person or device to scan or otherwise readaccount identifier 120 of transaction product 10 (e.g., throughopening 220 in backer 200) to access the account or record linked to accountidentifier 120. Upon accessing the account or record, value is added to the account or record at 326. Thus,transaction product 10 is activated and loaded. In one embodiment, wherein a value is already associated withtransaction product 10,operation 326 may be eliminated and activatingtransaction product 10 at 324 serves to unlock the account or record or otherwise make the predetermined value in the account or record available to a bearer oftransaction product 10. - Once
transaction product 10 is activated and/or loaded,transaction product 10 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer oftransaction product 10 to purchase goods and/or services at the retail store or other affiliated retail setting or web site. In one embodiment, wheretransaction product 10 is displayed on a web site at 322, then, at 324,transaction product 10 may be activated in any suitable method and may be completed without machine scanning ofaccount identifier 120. In one embodiment,transaction product 10 is activated and/or loaded remotely via a telephone or the internet - At 328, the retail store or other affiliated retail setting, web site, etc. accepts
transaction product 10 as payment toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services made by the current bearer oftransaction product 10. In particular, the value currently loaded ontransaction product 10 is applied toward the purchase of goods and/or services, toward the use of calling minutes, etc. At 330, additional value is optionally loaded ontransaction product 10 at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk, other area of the retail store or related setting or via a web site or by telephone. Upon acceptingtransaction product 10 as payment at 328, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform eitheroperation 328 again oroperation 330 as requested by a current bearer oftransaction product 10. Similarly, upon loading additional value totransaction product 10 at 330, the retail store or related setting can subsequently perform eitheroperation 330 again oroperation 328. In one example, the ability to accepttransaction product 10 as payment for or toward use of goods and/or services is limited by whether the account or record associated withtransaction product 10 has any value at the time of attempted redemption. -
FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of amethod 350 of usingtransaction product 10. At 352, a potential consumer oftransaction product 10, which is displayed in a retail store or viewed on a web site, decides to and does purchasetransaction product 10 from the retail store or web site setting.Transaction product 10 can be displayed and purchased alone or as part of thetransaction product assembly 210. Upon purchasing oftransaction product 10, a retail store employee, retail store kiosk or other person scans accountidentifier 120 to activate or load value ontotransaction product 10. In one embodiment, such as wheretransaction product 10 is purchased at 352 via a web site, actual scanning ofaccount identifier 120 may be eliminated. - At 354, the consumer optionally gives
transaction product 10 to a recipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, one having a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent or impending anniversary, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality oftransaction products 10 are purchased and given to party goers, such as at a birthday party, bridal shower, etc. as party favors or gifts. As an alternative, the consumer can keeptransaction product 10 for his or her own use thereby eliminatingoperation 354. - At 356, the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership or otherwise is the current bearer of
transaction product 10, usestransaction product 10 for reasons unrelated to its stored-value or transactional functionality. More specifically, the bearer initially removestransaction product 10 frombacker 200, iftransaction product 10 is coupled withbacker 200, and openshousing 12 by separatingcover 22 frombase 20 to accessstorage cavity 24 and anyarticle 14 maintained therein. The bearer can usearticle 14 as they see fit dependent upon the particular nature ofarticle 14 or can otherwise usehousing 12 as a storage device. - In one example, where
article 14 includes a gelatinous substance,article 14 can be removed fromhousing 12 and can subsequently be stretched or deformed from the storage or first configuration into a plurality of other configurations each differing from the first configuration as desired by the bearer oftransaction product 10. In one example, a bearer enjoys the viscous nature ofarticle 14 by temporarily stickingarticle 14 to any available surface, etc. Following play,article 14 may be returned to the storage or first configuration, replaced withinstorage cavity 24 and hermetically sealed to protectarticle 14 for future use. - At 358, the current bearer of
transaction product 10redeems transaction product 10 for goods and/or services from the retail store or web site. At 360, the current bearer oftransaction product 10 optionally adds value totransaction product 10 or, more particularly, to the account or record associated withtransaction product 10, at the retail store, over the Internet or via telephone. Upon removing and usingarticle 14 oftransaction product 10 fromhousing 12 at 356, redeemingtransaction product 10 at 358 or adding value totransaction product 10 at 360, the current bearer oftransaction product 10 subsequently can perform any ofoperations account identifier 120 and any other information necessary to redeemtransaction product 10 is included onhousing 12, in one example, onlyhousing 12 is used to performoperations operations article 14 is currently stored inhousing 12. In one embodiment, the ability of the current bearer to repeatredeeming transaction product 10 at 358 is limited by whether the account or record associated withtransaction product 10 has any value at the time of attempted redemption. - Although described above as occurring at single retail store or web site, in one embodiment, purchasing
transaction product 10 at 352, redeemingtransaction product 10 at 358 and adding value totransaction product 10 at 360, can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted to accepttransaction product 10 or over the Internet. In one example, the number of stores are each a part of a chain or similarly branded stores. In one example, the number of stores includes at least one web site and/or at least one conventional brick and mortar store. - Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms, according to embodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, the gift recipient or third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of an account or record associated with a stored-value card. The balance associated with a stored-value card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits. The card remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement or reminder to revisit the associated merchant. Gift cards, according to an embodiment of the invention, provide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other transaction products according to embodiments of the invention include loyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates, employee cards, frequency cards, pre-paid cards and other types of cards associated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, for example.
- Although the invention has been described to particular embodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternatives and modifications within the scope of the invention in its various embodiments will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/843,855 US7959068B2 (en) | 2007-08-23 | 2007-08-23 | Transaction product with gelatinous substance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US11/843,855 US7959068B2 (en) | 2007-08-23 | 2007-08-23 | Transaction product with gelatinous substance |
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US20090055253A1 true US20090055253A1 (en) | 2009-02-26 |
US7959068B2 US7959068B2 (en) | 2011-06-14 |
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US11/843,855 Active 2030-03-14 US7959068B2 (en) | 2007-08-23 | 2007-08-23 | Transaction product with gelatinous substance |
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Cited By (3)
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USD791244S1 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2017-07-04 | Fikst, Llc | Gift card gear puzzle |
USD791879S1 (en) * | 2015-05-28 | 2017-07-11 | Fikst, Llc | Gift card maze puzzle |
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US8016193B2 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2011-09-13 | Target Brands, Inc. | Transaction product with storage chamber |
US8896613B2 (en) | 2010-10-26 | 2014-11-25 | Bby Solutions, Inc. | Stored value digital picture frame |
US8668147B2 (en) | 2011-03-09 | 2014-03-11 | Bby Solutions, Inc. | Headphones holder with indicia of stored value |
US8434680B1 (en) | 2011-11-04 | 2013-05-07 | Target Brands, Inc. | Transaction product with removable transaction card |
US9533526B1 (en) | 2012-06-15 | 2017-01-03 | Joel Nevins | Game object advances for the 3D printing entertainment industry |
US9412104B2 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2016-08-09 | Target Brands, Inc. | Transaction product with movable member |
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